>>45364479My favorite Base Stage starter is Totodile. My favorite Middle Stage Starter is Ivysaur. My favorite Final Stage Starter is Swampert. But if we're talking about which is the line that is the most consistently great throughout and develops in the best way, then i'm pretty sure it's the Froakie Line.
For one, it leaves its Thief/Rogue motif clear from the get-go, but without actually being too on the nose about it. It also gives just the right amount of growth and change through the line to avoid being seen either as a boring JUSTGETSBIGGER archetype or as a nonsensical evolution that deviates too much. It also has interesting, unique and memorable design queues that make it stand out.
Froakie begins mirroring that one representation of lowly thieves that Japan is kinda obsessed with, but whose name i forgot. Those that keep stolen goods in a bag on their back that also doubles as a makeshift pseudo-Mask/Mustache, and upon close inspection Froakie imitates this profile too. Frogadier is a natural progression from Froakie that emphazises it turning much sleeker, faster and better at thievery than his predecessor, along with showcasing a more developed maksmanship with the bubble projectiles. Greninja reaches the obvious peak of the concept by turning him into a Master Thief/Assasin: A Ninja. I'm one of those who really wanted the Bubble Scarf to continue, but i actually grew to love the Tongue Scarf. It keeps the same motif in a more memorable fashion by adding a zany, but fitting design element that also adds complimentary colors that make it stand out. Fortunately the Manga makes it clear that he can still make bubbles, though.
It's overall the best line even if none of them are my top favorites.